Less than one in 10 individuals that would benefit from obesity jabs including Wegovy are able to get them, caution the global health agency as it releases its initial recommendations on the therapies.
Given more than one billion individuals worldwide now obese, it is calling for broader and more equitable availability to this class of drugs.
Per projections, more than two billion could be obese by 2030 unless action is taken.
"Our latest guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be addressed with thorough and lifelong care," stated the agency's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and supply-chain constraints are major hurdles to broad availability to the jabs that can aid individuals in losing substantial body mass, notes the agency.
Skinny Jab Shortage
Despite the current most favorable case, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the WHO.
The advice encourages countries and companies to expand access, through measures such as voluntary licensing.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the main component of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy – is due to expire in a number of countries in 2026.
How Weight-Loss Injections Operate
The injections replicate a natural hormone to slow digestion, curb appetite and enhance satiety so people reduce food intake.
Individuals typically start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the once-weekly jabs.
Research points to patients may see weight return within a year of discontinuing the drug, because their usual appetite return.
To be overweight or obese raises your likelihood for developing health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, stroke, and specific malignancies.
Excess weight affects individuals in all nations and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, per the WHO.
